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The South Korean government will find it more difficult to implement key structural reforms to boost long-term productivity, after the governing party lost in recently held elections, says Fitch Ratings. South Korea's long-term growth prospects face challenges from a series of structural factors. Reforms to rebalance the economy towards domestic demand and to boost productivity will be essential to ensure that potential growth rates do not fall significantly in the next decade. The election on 13 April resulted in the governing Saenuri Party falling to second place in the National Assembly with 122 of 300 seats. This will likely make passage of any potentially contentious legislation, including that pertaining to labour market and services sector reforms, more difficult. The previous parliamentary session, where the governing party held 146 seats, was already marked by political contention, with less than a third of bills introduced being passed. Saenuri hoped to reach the threshold of 180 seats needed to unilaterally pass legislation. Reforming and liberalising labour market regulation have been key planks of the South Korean government's economic policy agenda to boost productivity over the long term and sustain higher rates of economic growth. South Korea has historically benefited from high real GDP growth relative to its 'AA' category peers, but it faces constraints in both the near and long terms. Fitch expects GDP growth to remain below 3% in 2016 owing to lacklustre global demand. Over the longer term, low productivity growth and aging demographics could halve the potential growth rate from around 3% to 1.4% in the 2030s, according to calculations of the Korea Development Institute. Fitch has highlighted that structurally lower GDP growth than presently expected would be credit negative for South Korea, though indications that the economy could boost growth without causing a deterioration in household or public sector balance sheets would be positive. The changes in the National Assembly's composition are not likely to result in any significant changes or reversals in economic policy. The parliamentary elections do not mean a change of government - the next presidential elections are not due until December 2017. The Outlook on South Korea's 'AA-' rating remains Stable, with robust external finances and generally stable macroeconomic performance as key credit strengths.

Asian Markets Rally on the Back of Higher Oil Prices, Gold Hovers Around $1230

Asian markets start the day sharply higher after oil futures rebounded overnight. In addition a positive close on Wall Street overnight also helped shares in Asia on Tuesday morning. The USD/JPY was trading 0.28% higher at 109.11 on Tuesday morning in Tokyo, the strongest since Friday, having closed in New York on Monday at 108.80. On the other side, gold finds support around $1230 marks. Japan's Nikkei 225 index spiked 3.26% higher to 16,806.34 points shortly after the open in Tokyo, while the broader Topix index started the day 2.99% higher at 1,359.76 points. In Korea markets also began on a higher note, with the Kospi index climbing 0.47% to 2,010.80 points. Today South Korea's central bank left the policy rate at a record-low 1.5% on Tuesday. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose 0.60% to 21,286.47 on Tuesday, while the Shanghai Composite gained 0.58% to trade at 3,051.19 points. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 stock index rallied 0.97% to 5,186.60 points early on in Sydney, the highest level since January. New Zealand's S&P/NZX 50 equity index was trading 0.07% higher at 6,855.76 points after midday in Wellington.

USD/JPY is currently trading around 109.11 marks. It made intraday high at 109.31 and low at 109.04 levels. Japan's trade surplus expanded from ¥242.8 billion in February to ¥775.0 billion last month, the highest since February 2011 but lower than the market forecast of a ¥834.6 billion surplus. In addition BOJ Kuroda said that, “He will scrutinise risks to economy, prices and won't hesitate taking more easing steps if needed to hit price target.” He added, “BOJ added negative rate policy to QQE to achieve inflation target at earliest date possible.” Intraday bias remains bearish till the time pair holds key resistance at 109.48 marks. A daily close below key support 108.68 will take the parity down towards 108.18, 107.43 and 105.72 levels. On the other side, a sustained break above 109.48 will take the parity towards 111.30/112.60 levels. On the top side, initial resistance levels are seen at 109.68, 111.30, and 112.60 marks respectively.

Japan's exports declined for sixth straight months last month, attributing it to disappointing demand for electronic parts, sluggish Chinese economic growth, and firmer yen. The Ministry of Finance said exports skidded 6.8% in March from 4.0% slide in February. Year-over-year, exports to the United States slid 5.1%, to Asia 9.7%, and China 7.1%. But exports to the European Union rose 12.1%, its highest since February 2011. The US dollar has erased about 10% versus the yen on speculations the Federal Reserve would slowly raise interest rates, prodding cautions from BOJ policymakers against investors on gliding the currency too swiftly.

China stopped the registration of new finance companies as authorities have begun restraining online finance, according to Caixin. Citing sources privy to the matter, entities with finance-related names can no longer register with the State Administration for Industry & Commerce. Instead, companies will first have to secure approvals from Chinese regulators. Clearing the Internet finance, which commenced on April 14 and will end by January 2016, seeks to eradicate fraudulent acts by some peer-to-peer lenders that endanger financial soundness nationwide. Caixin said the Chinese government will recall licenses for current finance companies that fail inspections during the process.

USD/JPY is currently trading around 109.38 marks.
It made intraday high at 109.49 and low at 109.27 levels.
Intraday bias remains neutral till the time pair holds key support at 109.48 marks.
A daily close below key support 109.48 will take the parity down towards 108.68, 107.86 and 105.72 levels.
On the other side, a sustained close above 109.89 will take the parity up towards 111.30/112.60 levels.
On the top side, initial resistance levels are seen at 109.88, 111.30, and 112.60 marks respectively.
Japan will release flash manufacturing PMI data at 0200 GMT. Market anticipates reading around 49.6 m/m vs 49.1 m/m previous release.

Japan's manufacturing sector tumbled the most since 2013 due to recent earthquakes that struck the country, based on official figures. Earlier this month, two major quakes hit Kyushu island, disrupting activity throughout the area. Exporters are also contending with a stronger Japanese yen. Markit reported the manufacturing purchasing managers index declined to 48 in April from 49.1 in March, the lowest since January 2013.